There are many conditions that may manifest in gastrointestinal symptoms. The conditions may be inflammatory in nature, infections, traumatic events and cancers among others. There is no doubt that most Greenbelt, MD, residents if not all, have had to deal with some form of abdominal pain at one time or the other. Most of the time, the cause is an underlying structure. In this article, we explore the various types of pain that exist and how to manage them.
One of the first steps in the identification of the source of pain is to determine the region in which it is most severe. It is very likely that the source of the discomfort is related to the underlying anatomical structures. For example, if the symptom is most severe in the flanks, the source is likely to be the kidneys, the liver (on the right) or the spleen (on the left). More central pain often has its origin on the intestines.
The character and pattern of the symptom also helps determine the source in a big way. For instance, pain that is predominantly constricting is most likely related to a hollow organ such as the intestines, the gall bladder or the ureters. On the other hand, dull and diffuse pain is often due to conditions affecting solid internal organs. Associated symptoms may also help shape the pattern. If pain is associated with diarrhea, for instance, an infection is most likely present.
There are a number of investigations that become useful when investigating the cause of this complaint. In the event that an infective process is suspected, a septic screen is usually done. Among the components of this screening is a full blood count. The objective here is to determine whether there is an increase in the number of white blood cells and if so which particular subtypes are affected. Other components include a blood culture, urine analysis and cerebrospinal fluid culture.
Radiological studies play an important role in diagnosing abdominal conditions. Plain radiographs (X-rays) are used in studying the distribution of fluids (liquids and gases). Distension caused by the presence of gas is usually seen when there is intestinal obstruction. Ultrasound, MRI and CT scan have greater resolution and are most useful in assessing solid organs such as the pancreas, the liver, the spleen and the kidneys among others.
Treatment is varied and greatly depends on the diagnosis. The good news is that most cases can be managed through a conservative approach. This means that many of them resolve spontaneously without any treatment or may just need a few over the counter analgesic drugs. Antimicrobial agents are needed when an infection is identified and chemotherapeutic drugs used in presence of treatable cancers.
Surgery is used both as a therapeutic and diagnostic option. Examples of conditions that may be diagnosed during surgery include appendicitis, abscesses, tumors and ectopic pregnancies among others. Once the problem has been identified through visualization, the intervention can be undertaken. The operation may be done through the open approach or laparoscopically.
Pain originating from the abdomen has numerous sources. The important is that one gives a comprehensive history and undergoes a physical examination to help identify the origin. The management will be guided by what is identified or suspected.
One of the first steps in the identification of the source of pain is to determine the region in which it is most severe. It is very likely that the source of the discomfort is related to the underlying anatomical structures. For example, if the symptom is most severe in the flanks, the source is likely to be the kidneys, the liver (on the right) or the spleen (on the left). More central pain often has its origin on the intestines.
The character and pattern of the symptom also helps determine the source in a big way. For instance, pain that is predominantly constricting is most likely related to a hollow organ such as the intestines, the gall bladder or the ureters. On the other hand, dull and diffuse pain is often due to conditions affecting solid internal organs. Associated symptoms may also help shape the pattern. If pain is associated with diarrhea, for instance, an infection is most likely present.
There are a number of investigations that become useful when investigating the cause of this complaint. In the event that an infective process is suspected, a septic screen is usually done. Among the components of this screening is a full blood count. The objective here is to determine whether there is an increase in the number of white blood cells and if so which particular subtypes are affected. Other components include a blood culture, urine analysis and cerebrospinal fluid culture.
Radiological studies play an important role in diagnosing abdominal conditions. Plain radiographs (X-rays) are used in studying the distribution of fluids (liquids and gases). Distension caused by the presence of gas is usually seen when there is intestinal obstruction. Ultrasound, MRI and CT scan have greater resolution and are most useful in assessing solid organs such as the pancreas, the liver, the spleen and the kidneys among others.
Treatment is varied and greatly depends on the diagnosis. The good news is that most cases can be managed through a conservative approach. This means that many of them resolve spontaneously without any treatment or may just need a few over the counter analgesic drugs. Antimicrobial agents are needed when an infection is identified and chemotherapeutic drugs used in presence of treatable cancers.
Surgery is used both as a therapeutic and diagnostic option. Examples of conditions that may be diagnosed during surgery include appendicitis, abscesses, tumors and ectopic pregnancies among others. Once the problem has been identified through visualization, the intervention can be undertaken. The operation may be done through the open approach or laparoscopically.
Pain originating from the abdomen has numerous sources. The important is that one gives a comprehensive history and undergoes a physical examination to help identify the origin. The management will be guided by what is identified or suspected.
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